Borno State governor, Prof Babagana Zulum, has condoled his deputy, Hon Umar Usman, over the death of his elder brother, the Kadafur of Biu, Mai Aliyu Usman. The governor also commiserated with His Royal Highness, the Emir of Biu, Mai Mustapha Umar Mustapha II, the Council and the entire people of Biu Emirate over the loss.
In a statement by the special adviser to the governor on media, Dauda Iliya, Zulum described the death of the elder statesman as a huge loss not only to the Biu Emirate but to the entire state and region.
The governor, who is currently in Saudi Arabia for the lesser Hajj, described the late Usman, also known as Ya Mai, as a bridge builder and peace advocate who immensely contributed to maintaining harmonious relationship between different segments of society.
“Indeed, to Allah we belong and to Him we shall return. This is a great loss not only to the Biu Emirate but to the entire state. My heartfelt condolences to the deputy governor, Hon Umar Usman Kadafur, the Emir of Biu, and the entire people of the emirate over this huge loss,” he said.
He remarked that Ya Mai lived a simple and selfless life worthy of emulation, noting that his invaluable advice and guidance would be greatly missed.
Zulum prayed for the repose of his soul and for the family to have the fortitude to bear the loss.
Mai Aliyu Usman died on Friday at the age of 67 after a brief illness and has since been buried in Biu town according to Islamic rites.
